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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Stig / Major Tom on March 12, 2025, 08:13:30 PM

Title: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on March 12, 2025, 08:13:30 PM
75 years ago, March 1950, the first VW T1 Transporter was delivered in primer grey to a dealer in Cologne, Germany.
There, the VW van received the livery of the perfume company, "4711".

(https://i.postimg.cc/hPpBYwyQ/xxxxxxx.jpg)

The original Echt Kölnisch Wasser, has used the same formula for more than 200 years.
WWII German submariners were issued the stuff in lieu of bathing - and Holly Golightly used it in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
So, "unisex".
(https://i.postimg.cc/FR1ntvPD/zz.jpg)


A few years ago, the VW Museum obtained a restored dove blue example of the oldest known 1950 VW Transporter.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BbGX6yHB/xx.jpg)

The speedometer seen here has actually turned over once since the restoration was completed.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MZsCzRwv/xxxx.jpg)

These first VW's had a single brake light and no rear window, or bumper.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pdfDBDCC/xxx.jpg)

The gas gauge was a wooden stick used to check the level in this interestingly located fuel tank.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wMCXVFCW/xxxxx.jpg)

Stig

examples of restored early VW Transporters have sold for big $.
$150,000 to a little over $300,000
(https://i.postimg.cc/CLB5hrr1/xxxxxx.jpg)
Title: Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
Post by: randyo on March 12, 2025, 09:28:42 PM
My brother hit a cow in the fog with his '57 Transporter
Title: Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
Post by: big blue on March 12, 2025, 09:51:59 PM
I had two of them a 1963 and a '67, they were both Westphalia Campers. The '67 was a pop top and they both were green.
Title: Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
Post by: randyo on March 13, 2025, 03:29:49 AM
I had an '82 Vanagon, last year they were air cooled, toasty warm in winter cause it had a gas heater (@ -25°f, it got maybe 8-10mpg at best). Faithfully known as the "Hippy Van" to my son's hockey teammates.
Title: Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on March 13, 2025, 02:01:00 PM
I had an '82 Vanagon, last year they were air cooled, toasty warm in winter cause it had a gas heater (@ -25°f, it got maybe 8-10mpg at best). Faithfully known as the "Hippy Van" to my son's hockey teammates.
After years of VWs - bought the first year Vanagon. And, heck yes that thing was thirsty!
Wicked combination ~! - slow and thirsty!
There was a Champagne Edition bay-window still on the show-room floor at the same time. It was $3K less.
After living with the thirsty Vanagon (remember when VW reviewers promoted them as the "Porsche of Vans"?) - I wished I'd purchased the lighter weight bay-window. Traded that Vanagon for a new Subaru after a year.

I think this is the only photo I have of that Vanagon, Cream over orange, choc. brown interior.
He is 49 yrs old now~!
(https://i.postimg.cc/kXpRDmnr/Jean20230114.jpg)

Stig
Title: Re: NSR: VW Bus is 75 this month
Post by: randyo on March 13, 2025, 09:44:58 PM
I got about 20mpg with mine in the summer, gas heater in winter drank a lot

not mine, but same color

(https://i.imgur.com/n6LjM0ql.jpg)